Advances in developing Bacillus thuringiensis-based insecticde formulations

Developing Bacillus thuringiensis-based formulations is an old technology which has been revived during recent decades. The spore-crystal complex (being the main ingredient in these preparations) has been the main objective of this research, involving the search for new or improved strains. The type of materials used included a wide variety of completely biodegradable ingredients which could have been leaves, stems or fruit which when dried and ground could serve as feeding stimulants, as well as molasses and sugars. Sticky material such as gum providing adherence or starches working as encapsulating agents can both avoid dispersion by wind and wash-off by rain. Dyes and optical brighteners initially offer active protection against UV radiation and some other agents work as toxic activity enhancers. All of them are environmentally-friendly materials, completely harmless for human beings, other vertebrates, plants and even for beneficial insects so that the formulation is fully acceptable and ingested, thereby ensuring that it is highly effective. The foregoing has led to the manufacturing of a wide variety of commercial products whose effectiveness has positioned them in international markets; however, ongoing research provides specific solutions against new pests or is aimed at already-known ones avoiding resistance. Key words: Biological control; entomopathogen; toxic activity; feeding stimulants; residual activit